Mapping Human-Bear Conflict: The Urban-Wildland Interface on the Flathead Indian Reservation

Abstract

As the human footprint expands across western Montana, the boundaries between people and wildlife blur, bringing grizzly (Ursus arctos horribilis Ord) and black (Ursus americanus Pallas) bears into closer contact with communities on the Flathead Indian Reservation. These interactions pose risks to both human safety and bear populations, highlighting the need for effective management strategies to mitigate human-bear conflicts. However, very little is known about the spatial and temporal frequency of these interactions. Therefore, I created a standardized, robust database to allow for better assessment of the risk factors and areas prone to human-bear conflict. By creating a map to highlight areas that are at higher risk of experiencing a conflict, education and outreach professionals can leverage these data for community-wide changes aimed at decreasing conflict. Between 2021 and 2024, more than 400 incidents of human-bear conflict were recorded, with improper waste storage and disposal identified as the leading causes. Garbage attracted bears in 57% of these incidents. Through the creation of a heat density map, I identified conflict hotspots, providing the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes Wildlife Program with consistent visualization of data. for more targeted management. The greatest risks for conflict were in the areas of Polson and Saint Ignatius. The long-term availability of these data better facilitates more informed decisions. To reduce the risk of conflict, implementing bear-resistant trash ordinances and enhancing the use of electric fencing to secure attractants such as livestock and fruit trees should be prioritized in areas experiencing higher rates of conflict incidents. My findings provide a framework to reduce these conflicts and emphasize the significance of fostering coexistence between humans and bears, highlighting the importance of community outreach and engagement.